Thursday, September 10, 2009

Elam Ministries is reporting that the health of Iranian Christians Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) is deteriorating after having been imprisoned for six months. Here is their latest update:

Maryam and Marzieh have now been in prison in Tehran because of their faith for over six months and their health is deteriorating. This is the most urgent matter for prayer - that the Lord heals them directly and miraculously for the glory of His name and their encouragement.

Both women are suffering from sore throats, irregular painful stomach aches and often intense head aches. Both have lost much weight during their ordeal, because of their sickness and lack of nutrition. Marzieh's tooth infection is only being treated by painkillers and if the infection spreads it could become critical.

Due to overcrowding in the prison and the limited facilities, they have not received adequate treatment. There are also many other sick inmates and so there is a constant risk of picking up other viruses.

Regarding their case, the judge has said that they are 'not cooperating' meaning Maryam and Marzieh would not deny Christ but were faithful witnesses. The implication of his remark is that they continue to stay in prison. This is the normal punishment for female apostates: they are kept imprisoned until they recant. Please pray for this judge that he is either removed from the case or that he orders their release.

Yes, you can write in English but if you wish to compose a letter in Farsi, our US sister mission has an online tool that can help you. Click here.

Please noteWhen writing a letter, never mention the name of the source of your information or the name of any organization such as The Voice of the Martyrs. It is not dangerous for a prisoner to receive letters from individuals, but if an organization is mentioned they may be accused of links with ‘foreign organizations’ and receive harsher sentences. Also, please do not state anything negative about their government.